https://www.scmp.com/rss/325554/feed News and insight on luxury travel trends across the globe en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Peggy Ye,Themis Qi Peggy Ye,Themis Qi From luxury hotels to investment, Hong Kong is drawing Middle Eastern money as geopolitical tensions reshape travel and capital flows. Hoteliers said they were seeing a growing number of visitors from the region, many of whom were staying longer than typical guests. At the same time, investors are increasingly exploring opportunities in the city as they look to diversify their portfolios. “In Hong Kong, we have seen a recent increase in guest arrivals from the Middle East, and they tend to stay... https://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/3348235/geopolitical-tensions-rise-middle-eastern-money-and-travellers-pivot-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/3348235/geopolitical-tensions-rise-middle-eastern-money-and-travellers-pivot-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:30:15 +0000 Annie Brown Annie Brown It’s a Friday afternoon and I’m suspended in a warm tank of water. What’s slightly discombobulating is that I am completely dry. The dry float – you lie in a sort of inflatable cocoon – is just one of the “touchless” therapies on offer at the Mondrian Gold Coast’s Ciel Spa. I think I might be crying. The experience, with meditative music piping through headphones combined with the sensation of floating in warm water, is surprisingly emotional. The sense of peace captured in this moment is... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3348172/inside-mondrian-gold-coast-new-luxury-hotel-australia-stylish-pool-club-and-ocean-views?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3348172/inside-mondrian-gold-coast-new-luxury-hotel-australia-stylish-pool-club-and-ocean-views?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:00:17 +0000 Zhu Wenqian Zhu Wenqian China’s luxury hotel sector has unlocked new avenues for business growth, fuelled by a boom in inbound tourism and a growing number of foreign business travellers and holidaymakers who favour high-end accommodation. International tourists generally spend more than domestic ones, except for wealthy Chinese travellers. Most visa-free visitors to China are from developed countries with much higher living costs. Even spending at their usual levels, they would generate considerable revenue for... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3347704/visa-free-travel-rising-foreign-visitors-boost-luxury-hotel-growth-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3347704/visa-free-travel-rising-foreign-visitors-boost-luxury-hotel-growth-china?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:30:08 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre The Bund – the waterfront area facing the Huangpu River – is home to some of Shanghai’s most prestigious hotels, including Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, housed in a heritage Renaissance-style structure dating back to the early 20th century. With its sweeping views of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline across the river and colonial buildings dotting its charming streets, the area is a popular place to stay, especially for first-time visitors to the city. It is also relatively close to the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3347788/waldorf-astoria-shanghai-qiantan-introduces-you-another-side-city-new-bund?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3347788/waldorf-astoria-shanghai-qiantan-introduces-you-another-side-city-new-bund?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:12 +0000 SCMP Style Reporter SCMP Style Reporter Luxury leather goods used to mean cumbersome trunks and outsized suitcases. Nowadays, though, with people living half their lives in transit, moving from hot desk to hotel and back again, a “status bag” means something different. For its 50th anniversary collection, alt luxe label MCM has released Icons Reinvented – a reworking of some of its best known pieces. It’s not so much a museum retrospective as a year‑long remix. Signature silhouettes – the Stark backpack, Liz shopper, Ella Boston and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3346462/style-edit-mcm-marks-50-years-reinventing-its-iconic-bags-era-smart-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3346462/style-edit-mcm-marks-50-years-reinventing-its-iconic-bags-era-smart-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:00:08 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso Significantly underrated compared with its Southeast Asian neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia is a culture vulture’s paradise. Though the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap still attract millions of visitors every year, the city surroundings – as well as the country’s capital, Phnom Penh – are considerably less overrun with tourists than nearby megacities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some destinations worth checking out on your next visit to Cambodia, if you choose... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3346288/beyond-angkor-wats-allure-discovering-cambodias-hidden-gems-siem-reap-and-phnom-penh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3346288/beyond-angkor-wats-allure-discovering-cambodias-hidden-gems-siem-reap-and-phnom-penh?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso Brand strategist Calvin Wang has made a formidable name for himself – formerly as a retail analyst and buyer for Christian Louboutin and Lane Crawford, now as the co-founder of contemporary fine jewellery brand Pen Mané. He knows a thing or two about posing for the camera, too, having built a sizeable Instagram following showing off his sleek and well-considered sense of style. Here are some of his favourite looks from the past two decades. 2018 We were in Marrakech, Morocco, to celebrate our... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3345415/flashback-calvin-wang-revisits-his-love-chanel-and-dries-van-noten?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3345415/flashback-calvin-wang-revisits-his-love-chanel-and-dries-van-noten?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:00:09 +0000 SCMP Style Reporter SCMP Style Reporter Galaxy Macau, the resort complex in the Cotai district of the city, recently added another hotel to its portfolio: Capella at Galaxy Macau. The Singapore-based chain is known for its ultra-luxurious properties in cities such as Sydney and Bangkok. One of the highlights of the Macau outpost is Pony & Plume, its whisky bar. We recently checked out the bar and also got to experience the newly renovated suites at another Galaxy hotel: Hotel Okura Macau. Here’s what you need to know about both before... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3345209/whats-new-galaxy-macau-whisky-wonders-japanese-elegance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3345209/whats-new-galaxy-macau-whisky-wonders-japanese-elegance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre The Anantara story didn’t begin in Phuket, Bangkok or Koh Samui – three of the most famous places in Thailand – but in the more low-key coastal town of Hua Hin. It was in Hua Hin that the Anantara brand was born in 2001 with the opening of Anantara Hua Hin Resort. Known as Thailand’s first beach holiday destination, Hua Hin became a popular vacation spot among well-to-do locals after King Rama VII chose it as the location of his summer palace in the 1920s. While its beaches are not comparable... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3344530/anantara-hua-hin-resort-celebrates-25-years-upgrades-blend-luxury-and-heritage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3344530/anantara-hua-hin-resort-celebrates-25-years-upgrades-blend-luxury-and-heritage?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Born in Paris to a Chinese-American mother and a French father, Joseph Altuzarra established his fashion label in 2008, after working for brands like Marc Jacobs and Givenchy. Now based in New York, where his shows are one of the highlights of New York Fashion Week, the designer never fails to deliver collections that cater to confident women who want to look well put together and are not slaves to trends. Here, he shares his favourite finds from his adopted hometown and around the world. What... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3343400/style-according-paris-born-new-york-based-designer-joseph-altuzarra?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3343400/style-according-paris-born-new-york-based-designer-joseph-altuzarra?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:00:08 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Not content with conquering land, luxury hoteliers have their eyes on much bigger territory as the quest continues to dominate the high seas. This year alone sees two hospitality behemoths – the Orient Express and Four Seasons – debut luxury superyachts, while Aman Resorts’ Amangati yacht is slated to launch in 2027. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, however, was ahead of the game when it unveiled its first luxury vessel Evrima in 2022, followed by Ilma in 2024. Last year it welcomed its... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3343415/luminara-ritz-carlton-yacht-collection-takes-luxury-cruising-whole-new-level?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3343415/luminara-ritz-carlton-yacht-collection-takes-luxury-cruising-whole-new-level?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 04:33:58 +0000 dpa dpa Turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, sunbeds under swaying palms – and complete privacy. Some celebrities and ultra-wealthy individuals have leased or even bought private islands. For most, however, having their own island will remain a dream. Unless you are a cruise passenger, who can today experience exclusive beaches and resorts as part of their journey. Major cruise lines such as MSC, Norwegian and Carnival have their own islands and operate resorts exclusively for the passengers on their... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3343251/disney-royal-caribbean-cruise-lines-are-spending-big-private-island-escapes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3343251/disney-royal-caribbean-cruise-lines-are-spending-big-private-island-escapes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:15:07 +0000 Charmaine Yu Charmaine Yu I have never been a yoga, meditation or sound-bowl-therapy type of person, but suddenly here I was in Bali, a popular Indonesian island that I did not know much about other than its glorious beaches and an over-saturation of foreign-owned “matcha Pilates” studios. I arrived at Desa Potato Head in the Seminyak area with eager curiosity to check out the five-star beach club and resort to which I had been invited. Designed to be a sustainable, creative village open to all, the resort has been... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3342345/amazing-detox-balis-5-star-desa-potato-head-resort-both-wellness-and-bali-belly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3342345/amazing-detox-balis-5-star-desa-potato-head-resort-both-wellness-and-bali-belly?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:15:11 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Marriott Bonvoy – the hospitality company behind brands such as St Regis, Westin and Ritz-Carlton – has recently taken over one of Los Angeles’ buzziest hotels, Thompson Hollywood, from Hyatt, rebranding it as The Hollywood Grande. The property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a portfolio of independent hotels with a boutique feel and a distinctive point of view that eschews the cookie-cutter approach of most chains. Not much has changed since the repositioning, which means that... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3342917/hollywood-grande-why-former-thompson-hollywood-hotel-such-chic-city-stay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3342917/hollywood-grande-why-former-thompson-hollywood-hotel-such-chic-city-stay?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:00:09 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre All eyes are on Milan this January as it co-hosts, with Cortina d’Ampezzo, the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 6-22. The Paralympics then follows on March 6-15. If you are lucky enough to be attending the sporting spectacular, look out for these venues and happenings around the city. Where to eat: Rovello 18 Milan has its fair share of great restaurants – tried-and-tested classics like Langosteria and Il Baretto are both popular hang-outs among fashionable types. For something a bit more... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3341773/milan-it-hosts-winter-olympics-where-eat-shop-hang-out-and-be-pampered?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3341773/milan-it-hosts-winter-olympics-where-eat-shop-hang-out-and-be-pampered?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:38 +0000 Andrew Sun Andrew Sun One of the top resorts in Cebu, in the Philippines, would not exist today if its owner was not fired from his Hong Kong job. Former investment banker J. Manuel “Manny” Gonzalez is the heart and soul of Plantation Bay. The self-contained resort village is spread over 11 hectares (27 acres), with a spa, four restaurants, and 255 rooms encircling massive man-made salt- and freshwater lagoons and beaches. Befitting the name, the destination draws inspiration from the architectural styles of the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3340529/cebus-quirkiest-luxury-resort-and-former-hong-kong-based-banker-behind-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3340529/cebus-quirkiest-luxury-resort-and-former-hong-kong-based-banker-behind-it?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 04:45:10 +0000 Tara Loader Wilkinson Tara Loader Wilkinson If you’re looking for a lengthy debate about the merits of authentic cuisine, ask a Bahamian about their grandmother’s recipe for guava duff. The national dessert of the Bahamas, the duff is a steamed, doughy dumpling furrowed with fresh mashed guava (canned fruit is not acceptable, we are told), served piping hot and swimming in rum-spiked butter sauce. After listening to our waitress wax lyrical, we had to order one at Daddy Joe’s, more a living room than a restaurant in North Eleuthera, on... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3339196/eleuthera-and-harbour-island-bahamas-taylor-swift-slips-away?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3339196/eleuthera-and-harbour-island-bahamas-taylor-swift-slips-away?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:11 +0000 SCMP Style Reporter SCMP Style Reporter The Louis Vuitton Monogram hardly needs an introduction. For decades, the LV initials and floral motifs have been synonymous with luxury, spotted on the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Catherine Deneuve in the 1960s, and on A-listers of today like Zendaya and Lisa from Blackpink. As the famous pattern celebrates 130 years in 2026, here’s a quick history of one of fashion’s longest lasting and most iconic motifs. Louis Vuitton was already a celebrated craftsman with years of experience and a client... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/fashion-news/article/3340147/style-edit-why-louis-vuittons-monogram-one-luxurys-most-famous-motifs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/fashion-news/article/3340147/style-edit-why-louis-vuittons-monogram-one-luxurys-most-famous-motifs?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:00:12 +0000 Joshua Hendren Joshua Hendren Whether you’re a collector or simply curious about watchmaking, travel can offer a way to connect with horology beyond boutiques. From specialist museums to historic workshops and brand archives, these destinations reveal the places and stories that have helped shape the craft. German Watch Museum, Glashütte, Germany The small town of Glashütte has been synonymous with German watchmaking since the mid-19th century, and its dedicated museum presents a thorough review of that legacy. The German... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/watches/article/3340134/worlds-best-watch-museums-workshops-and-archives-panerai-seiko?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/watches/article/3340134/worlds-best-watch-museums-workshops-and-archives-panerai-seiko?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jan 2026 22:00:12 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso I never thought I’d confuse the South China Sea for the Mediterranean, but here we are, situated on a cosy strip of sand just outside the charming city of Nha Trang. Villa le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel – Spanish luxury hotel chain Gran Meliá’s first property in Asia – is Vietnam’s answer to a southern European escape. Think Mediterranean beach club vibes with local flair and a vibrant holiday experience as colourful as the quintessential Spanish holiday, complete with the unmistakable warmth of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3340085/asian-charm-mediterranean-mood-greets-guests-vietnams-villa-le-corail-resort?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3340085/asian-charm-mediterranean-mood-greets-guests-vietnams-villa-le-corail-resort?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jan 2026 06:00:14 +0000 SCMP Style Reporter SCMP Style Reporter Whenever I visit a new destination, I am always in two minds when it comes to booking a hotel. On the one hand, I want the familiar – the unapologetically indulgent trappings of luxury travel. In my experience, that means a classically Western style. Give me the marble and brass, mahogany and velvet. After a long day spent exploring new lands, I yearn to return to the comfort of a timeless, brand-scented lobby. On the other hand, I want the property to belong to its address. I want the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3339854/how-osaka-and-kyoto-ritz-carltons-blend-classic-luxury-japanese-tradition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3339854/how-osaka-and-kyoto-ritz-carltons-blend-classic-luxury-japanese-tradition?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:12 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Hong Kong-born, London-based Robert Wun made history as the first Hong Kong designer to show at Paris Haute Couture Week back in 2023. Since then, his shows have become a hot ticket and a highlight of Paris Fashion Week. Wun’s dramatic gowns, often inspired by horror films, have attracted such A-list fans as Lady Gaga and Lisa from Blackpink. Here, the designer shares his favourite finds from around the world. What I’m watching I really enjoyed Dandadan, created by Japanese mangaka Yukinobu... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/article/3339255/style-according-hong-kong-born-london-based-designer-robert-wun?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/article/3339255/style-according-hong-kong-born-london-based-designer-robert-wun?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Jan 2026 22:00:09 +0000 Mabel Lui Mabel Lui It is 10.30am and I am drifting on a kayak just off the coast of Hoi An, Vietnam. To my right, I see fishermen gliding across the ocean in their wooden boats; further beyond, the lush Cham Islands peek out from the horizon. To my left is a secluded beach, where children are frolicking among the waves and an all-terrain vehicle hums across the 4km (2.5-mile) coastline. Swaying palm trees dot the background, and behind them stand the New World Hoiana Beach Resort and the Hoiana Hotel & Suites: two... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3338504/close-hoi-central-vietnams-first-integrated-resort-offers-luxury-many-budgets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3338504/close-hoi-central-vietnams-first-integrated-resort-offers-luxury-many-budgets?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:15:37 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg It’s a perplexing time in the world of luxury ingredients. Prestigious products have become inextricably tied to fast food. Caviar now adorns chicken nuggets, truffle features in supermarket hummus and Starbucks egg bites, and Wagyu beef is getting smashed into burgers and has made the menu at Burger King in the UK. Even lobster – bright red and festive – has gone from attention-getting centrepiece to mac-and-cheese mix-in. Yet crab retains its mystique. It’s beloved for its delicately... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/dining/article/3338755/why-crab-now-fine-dinings-ultimate-luxury-ingredient-dethroning-caviar-truffle-and-wagyu-beef?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/dining/article/3338755/why-crab-now-fine-dinings-ultimate-luxury-ingredient-dethroning-caviar-truffle-and-wagyu-beef?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 04:00:12 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Once upon a time, the maharaja of Tehri Garhwal discovered a beautiful piece of land in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. It was here that he built the stunning Viceregal Palace, which played host to heads of state from India and abroad, including Britain’s Lord Mountbatten. Long after the British Raj had disappeared, an entrepreneur stumbled upon this magical place. He decided to transform the estate and its lush surroundings into a sanctuary of wellness that celebrated... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/beauty/wellness/article/3338497/inside-ananda-himalayas-whose-clients-include-king-charles-bill-gates-and-oprah-winfrey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/beauty/wellness/article/3338497/inside-ananda-himalayas-whose-clients-include-king-charles-bill-gates-and-oprah-winfrey?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 06:00:31 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre One of Singapore’s most beloved hotels has just reopened as Mett Singapore after a major renovation. Formerly the Hotel Fort Canning, Mett Singapore is the first property in Asia from the newly launched Mett Hotels & Resorts hospitality brand, which already has outposts in locations such as Barcelona, Bodrum and Marbella. Located in Fort Canning Park, smack in the heart of Singapore, the hotel is housed in a painstakingly restored building dating back to 1926. The charming colonial structure,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338508/mett-singapore-secluded-retreat-right-heart-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338508/mett-singapore-secluded-retreat-right-heart-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 05:00:17 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre When Merdeka 118 officially opened in Kuala Lumpur in 2024, it became Asia-Pacific’s tallest building, and the second tallest in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Named after the Malay word for independence and the number of its floors, the striking structure – designed by Australian architecture firm Fender Katsalidis – stands out for its angular diamond-shaped facade. In August 2025, the mixed-use property welcomed as its main tenant Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the first hotel from the luxury... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338473/park-hyatt-kuala-lumpur-elegance-and-modernity-asia-pacifics-tallest-building?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338473/park-hyatt-kuala-lumpur-elegance-and-modernity-asia-pacifics-tallest-building?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 22:00:10 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre When Eugene Tan and Rina Teoh opened The Edison George Town in 2016, the capital of Penang Island in Malaysia had yet to become the social media magnet it is today. The quaint and charming city, which in 2008 was named a Unesco World Heritage site, has always been a top destination among travellers to Southeast Asia, but in recent years it’s been attracting a new cohort of visitors looking for that perfect Instagram post. From the incredible variety of its food to its vibrant street art and long... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338464/edison-george-town-old-world-charm-meets-modern-elegance-penangs-unesco-listed-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338464/edison-george-town-old-world-charm-meets-modern-elegance-penangs-unesco-listed-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:00:11 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg The definition of “luxury travel” is changing. As hotels by big-name interior designers with outposts of renowned restaurants get copy-pasted all around the world, they’re coming off as overly predictable and even cookie-cutter. With demand at the top end of the luxury travel market higher than ever, hotels have to work harder to stand out. That means the most anticipated hotels for 2026 have one of two things in common: a true independent spirit or an ability to raise the bar in unquestionable... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338293/four-seasons-aman-11-most-exciting-luxury-hotel-openings-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3338293/four-seasons-aman-11-most-exciting-luxury-hotel-openings-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:16 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings China’s ultra-wealthy are quietly parking their private jets offshore to sidestep tougher compliance rules at home, while corporate executives are downgrading to commercial flights, analysts say, as economic headwinds hit the country’s business aircraft fleet. Aircraft owned by affluent Chinese nationals are said to be increasingly resurfacing in hubs such as Singapore and Japan, while more billionaires and corporate executives are turning to first-class commercial cabins or timeshare jet... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337814/why-are-rich-chinese-quietly-moving-private-jets-offshore-slumming-it-budget-seats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337814/why-are-rich-chinese-quietly-moving-private-jets-offshore-slumming-it-budget-seats?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Dec 2025 07:00:08 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Ultra-high-net-worth individuals are becoming especially discerning when it comes to choosing hotels. While top-notch amenities, luxe accommodation and customised services are now a given, a sense of seclusion and exclusivity is becoming more important. Hoteliers have risen to the challenge by experimenting with strategies ranging from launching new “exclusive” spaces and brands, to simply increasing rates, but many properties still struggle to deliver when it comes to important intangibles like... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3337422/private-members-clubs-offering-luxury-accommodation-soho-house-saint-james?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3337422/private-members-clubs-offering-luxury-accommodation-soho-house-saint-james?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:00:08 +0000 Carla Thomas Carla Thomas Chengdu is a bucket-list destination for anyone exploring China. It’s often said that it’s a city of contrasts: where famously fiery Sichuan cuisine coexists with the placid rituals of teahouse culture; where thousand-year-old temples, alleyways and city walls sit steps away from glassy skyscrapers; and where the hum of traffic and packed shopping streets give way to one of the world’s leading panda conservation bases. It’s a city that truly has it all – and the same can be said for its hotels.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3337329/6-best-hotels-chengdu-upper-house-and-shangri-la-crowne-plaza-ihg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3337329/6-best-hotels-chengdu-upper-house-and-shangri-la-crowne-plaza-ihg?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:27 +0000 Cathy Hilborn Feng Cathy Hilborn Feng The invitation to attend a three-day yoga retreat at Knai Bang Chatt, a seaside resort tucked along Cambodia’s southern coastline in Kep, was hard to resist. The words “yoga nidra” called to me; I am not yet a yogi, but I had experienced this “sleep yoga” before. The promise of meditation, breathwork and sound healing also appealed to my stressed-out self. Still, I had reservations about travelling solo, my lack of experience and even my clothing choices. Those worries evaporated the moment I... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3336908/how-luxury-cambodian-resort-offers-yoga-experience-few-others-can-match?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3336908/how-luxury-cambodian-resort-offers-yoga-experience-few-others-can-match?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Dec 2025 04:15:07 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre While discovering new places to stay is always a highlight of travelling, sometimes going back to a hotel you first fell in love with is just as rewarding. After a wonderful sojourn at Trisara back in 2011, it felt like another stay at one of Phuket’s most beautiful luxury resorts was long overdue. Located on the northern coast of Thailand’s most popular beach destination, Trisara is only a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, and a world away from the tourist enclave of Laguna and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3336566/trisara-resort-offers-rare-phuket-experience-opulent-thoughtful-and-quiet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3336566/trisara-resort-offers-rare-phuket-experience-opulent-thoughtful-and-quiet?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Dec 2025 06:00:15 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso I am neither a gambler nor a golfer, but in my current environment, I learn quickly. Here at Hoiana Resort & Golf, a massive integrated resort covering nearly 1,000 hectares of land along the coast of central Vietnam, I find myself pursuing new activities at every corner – playing pickleball, cooking up salads and spring rolls, embracing all the whims of resort life and going with the flow with every step. Located a short drive away from the ancient town of Hoi An and just outside the beach... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3335770/vietnams-hoiana-resort-golf-perfect-seaside-escape-instagram-worthy-views?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3335770/vietnams-hoiana-resort-golf-perfect-seaside-escape-instagram-worthy-views?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:14 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Few cities do Christmas like New York. If you’re a fan of the holiday season, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to soak up the seasonal cheer than Midtown Manhattan and its main thoroughfare, Fifth Avenue. Come Thanksgiving weekend, the boulevard becomes Christmas Central. With the holiday windows of luxury department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice rink, and not to mention the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and shows... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3335133/peninsula-new-york-brings-christmas-glittering-life-fifth-avenue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3335133/peninsula-new-york-brings-christmas-glittering-life-fifth-avenue?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:14 +0000 Kylie Knott Kylie Knott Fans of “romantasy”, a literary genre that blends romance and fantasy, find happiness in mythical storybook worlds in which characters do things like slay dragons and hang out in castles, all while finding love at the same time. Now some are taking their passion for the genre into the real world by embracing “romantasy” travel, holidaying to destinations inspired by settings in their favourite novels such as snow-capped mountains, lush forests and ancient castles. This is one of the global... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3334714/top-10-travel-trends-hongkongers-2026-road-trips-romantasy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3334714/top-10-travel-trends-hongkongers-2026-road-trips-romantasy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:44:17 +0000 Charmaine Mok Charmaine Mok Every so often, I get the chance to share my opinion on the trends that defined the year and what may be on the horizon. This year, my two cents were included in Marriott International’s Future of Food 2026 report, released last month. The comprehensive 41-page dossier is a compendium of insightful and challenging perspectives on where dining and food culture is headed, peppered with the opinions of thought leaders and industry experts, including hoteliers, chefs, journalists and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3334207/future-food-asia-about-comfort-dishes-accessibility-trumps-exclusivity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3334207/future-food-asia-about-comfort-dishes-accessibility-trumps-exclusivity?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:15:09 +0000 dpa dpa To the sea or to the mountains? Year after year, this pressing question divides couples and families planning their holidays. But in northwestern Italy, you can find both within a short distance. Liguria and Piedmont offer sea and mountains within a very small area. Visiting is also worthwhile from a culinary point of view, with local delicacies between the Ligurian capital Genoa and the Piedmontese capital Turin all worth a try – if necessary, even on a single plate. The most famous of all... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3333056/what-eat-and-drink-italys-liguria-and-piedmont-regions-where-mountains-meet-sea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3333056/what-eat-and-drink-italys-liguria-and-piedmont-regions-where-mountains-meet-sea?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:15:09 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela I have never been to Mars, but I imagine this is what it would look like. It’s been a long, at times arduous journey but after a somewhat terrifying one-hour flight in a cramped four-seater propeller plane, I have arrived at a private airstrip surrounded by nothing except sand and craggy, granite mountains. We are on the eastern edge of the Namib Desert. It very much lives up to its name that in the local Nama language means “an area where there is nothing”. One of the world’s oldest, dating... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3332350/exploring-africas-extremes-luxury-safari-through-namibia-and-botswana?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3332350/exploring-africas-extremes-luxury-safari-through-namibia-and-botswana?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 02:00:17 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso Independently owned and operated by Vietnamese hotelier Pham Van Hien, The Anam Group still feels somewhat like an anomaly on the list of top luxury resorts in Vietnam – like much of Southeast Asia, the country has become a hotspot for international hotel chains. With two sprawling properties along Vietnam’s stunning southern coastline, the hotel group certainly seems to lean into the ethos of local charm with a luxury twist at every opportunity. Located about three hours east of Ho Chi Minh... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3332308/how-anams-resorts-deliver-truly-authentic-vietnam-experience-mui-ne-and-cam-ranh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3332308/how-anams-resorts-deliver-truly-authentic-vietnam-experience-mui-ne-and-cam-ranh?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:14:15 +0000 Mark Footer Mark Footer The world’s largest indoor skiing facility may be only a snow­ball’s throw away from Hong Kong – Shenzhen’s Qianhai Huafa Snow World having opened in September – but we reckon the elements should play an integral part in any bona fide winter sports holiday. There’s a reason they call it “the great outdoors”, after all. Here are six destinations that embrace their surroundings yet still qualify as “up-and-coming”, and so may be worth considering for your next ski adventure. Cortina d’Ampezzo,... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3331061/6-and-coming-ski-resorts-asia-europe-us-and-even-africa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3331061/6-and-coming-ski-resorts-asia-europe-us-and-even-africa?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:00:09 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre Based in London and originally from Australia, Tamara Ralph has become a go-to designer for powerful and glamorous women such as Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Amal Clooney and Gemma Chan. Her intricate statement gowns never lack the wow factor and always steal the show at haute couture week in Paris. Here, she shares her favourite finds from Sydney and around the world. What I’m watching and listening to I am an avid watcher of spy films – like James Bond. I love action sports as well, so I suppose... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3331861/style-according-tamara-ralph-designer-loved-beyonce-and-angelina-jolie?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3331861/style-according-tamara-ralph-designer-loved-beyonce-and-angelina-jolie?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Nov 2025 22:00:10 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre While Rosewood Hong Kong is widely regarded as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property – it was recently recognised as the No 1 hotel in the world by World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 – its sister property in Beijing was the company’s first to open in Greater China. Located in busy Chaoyang, just opposite one of the city’s architectural landmarks – the striking CCTV Headquarters designed by OMA’s Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren – the hotel opened in October 2014, five years before the arrival of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331603/rosewood-hong-kongs-sister-property-rosewood-beijing-culture-and-luxury-chinese-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331603/rosewood-hong-kongs-sister-property-rosewood-beijing-culture-and-luxury-chinese-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:00:21 +0000 Salomé Grouard Salomé Grouard When Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour injected an estimated US$5 billion into the US economy, it showed how music can move markets – and China took note. Now the country’s tropical island of Hainan is testing its own version of the “Swift effect”. Over the past year, Hainan has quietly evolved from a laid-back beach retreat into a stage for hip-hop’s global elite. It began with Kanye West (aka Ye)’s headline-making performance last September, which was followed by Travis Scott’s explosive show this... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331347/how-hainan-using-hip-hop-rebrand-luxury-china-help-kanye-west-travis-scott-and-maybe-cardi-b?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331347/how-hainan-using-hip-hop-rebrand-luxury-china-help-kanye-west-travis-scott-and-maybe-cardi-b?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:10 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg “This is insane,” a woman says as a butler takes her on a tour of The Chancery Rosewood’s spa. We are in the basement levels of what used to be the US embassy in London. Now, there are state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pools and a cold-plunge tank, along with a sauna and steam room. I am stretched like a cat on a heated marble lounger that is far more comfortable than any angular stone slab has the right to be. “This is kind of insane,” I think, as a member of staff uses an instant-read thermometer... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3331320/chancery-rosewood-hotel-london-luxurious-alternative-vips-and-royalty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3331320/chancery-rosewood-hotel-london-luxurious-alternative-vips-and-royalty?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:15:08 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg In the US$6.3 trillion world of wellness, catering to women is the lowest-hanging fruit on the tree. Yet women’s wellness is an area that’s historically been underfunded and underserved. In the US, women were rarely included in clinical trials before 1993, and in 2020, only 5 per cent of global research and development funding was allocated to women’s health research. Even spokespeople for the Global Wellness Institute, the largest research organisation dedicated to tracking the industry,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3330642/why-canyon-ranch-opening-us500-million-resort-texas-focused-womens-wellness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3330642/why-canyon-ranch-opening-us500-million-resort-texas-focused-womens-wellness?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 06:00:09 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Austrians are passionate about many things, from mountains to music, but I was surprised to learn that Schloss Fuschl, a 15th-century hunting lodge turned luxury hotel, is also loved and revered by many. This iconic landmark holds cultural and emotional significance – it was featured in the popular Sissi films about Empress Elisabeth and boasts an idyllic location on one of the country’s most beautiful lakes, a place where many have fond memories of bathing in the turquoise waters surrounded by... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331012/rosewood-schloss-fuschl-15th-century-austrian-castle-turned-luxury-lakeside-retreat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3331012/rosewood-schloss-fuschl-15th-century-austrian-castle-turned-luxury-lakeside-retreat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Nov 2025 04:00:10 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A luxury Hong Kong hotel has been named the world’s best by a UK-based organisation that recently ranked a local bar first globally, a recognition that a business leader said on Saturday highlighted the city’s strong footing in luxury tourism. The Rosewood Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui bagged the coveted accolade in the latest edition of the “World’s 50 Best Hotels”. The rankings covered 22 destinations across six continents, with 800 industry experts voting on them, according to media and events... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3331132/secret-sauce-revealed-rosewood-hong-kong-named-best-hotel-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3331132/secret-sauce-revealed-rosewood-hong-kong-named-best-hotel-world?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:30:17 +0000 dpa dpa “What can go wrong?” I ask my instructor, Luca, as he straps me into a harness attached to a huge parachute, looking over a mountain edge. “A lot of things in life can go wrong,” he smiles, which does little to calm my nerves. I am about to paraglide in the French Alps with skis – also known as ski-gliding – and then fly over the valley towards the Alpine town of Méribel, dropping a total of 1,400 metres (4,600ft). Luca reassures me he has been a paragliding instructor for 10 years, doing 500... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3330550/how-paragliding-french-alps-takes-ski-holiday-higher-level?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3330550/how-paragliding-french-alps-takes-ski-holiday-higher-level?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:15:08 +0000